John Bushnell “Jack” Hanna (created January 2, 1947) is an American zookeeper who’s the Director Emeritus of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. He was Manager of the zoo from 1978 to 1993, and is viewed as mainly accountable for elevating its quality and standing. His media appearances, especially with David Letterman, have made him among the very famous creature specialists in America. Hanna, nicknamed “Jungle Jack”, is famous for his khaki safari ensemble, deep suntan, and Southern accent.
Hanna released his autobiography, Monkeys on the Interstate Highway in 1989. He’s released many novels for kids too. He was likewise named among the “50 Most Beautiful People” by People magazine in 1996. Hanna and his wife, Suzi, have three daughters: Kathaleen, Suzanne, and Julie. He spends much of his time at his house in Montana, where he expects to retire shortly. He now attends New Hope Church.[4] He was given honorary doctorates from Muskingum University, Otterbein College, Capital University, and The Ohio State University.
Muskingum University, Otterbein University, The Kiski School
Nationality
United States of America
Spouse
Suzi Egli (m. 1968)
Children
Kathaleen Hanna, Julie Hanna, Suzanne Hanna
Siblings
Bush Hanna, Sue Hanna
Nicknames
'Jungle' Jack Hanna , John Bushnell Hanna , John Bushnell "Jack" Hanna , Jungle Jack
Awards
Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Children's Series, Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Travel and Adventure Program
Nominations
Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lifestyle/Travel/Children’s Series Host
Movies
, Jack Hanna's Into the Wild, Jack Hanna's Animal Adventures
TV Shows
Jack Hanna's Animal Adventures, Jack Hanna's Into the Wild
Star Sign
Capricorn
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Trademark
1
His bumbling and happy go lucky nature.
2
Matching khaki shirt and shorts "uniform."
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Fact
1
Release of his book, "Monkeys on the Interstate: And Other Tales From America's Favorite Zookeeper" by Jack with John Stravinsky. [1989]
2
Release of his book, "Jack Hanna's Ultimate Guide to Pets" by Jack with Hester Mundis. [1996]
3
Release of his book, "Jungle Jack: My Wild Life". [2008]
4
Has traveled to all seven continents, North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Oceania (Australia, New Zealand, etc.), and Antarctica.
5
As of 2013, over approximately the last 32 years since 1981, all of Jack's television series have been sponsored by Nationwide Insurance, which is also located/headquartered in Columbus, Ohio.
6
Has been granted honorary doctoral degrees from Muskingum University in New Concord, Ohio; Otterbein University in Westerville, Ohio; Capital University in Bexley, Ohio; and The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio.
7
Jack first started appearing on national television programs in 1983, after the birth of twin gorillas at the Columbus Zoo, when he was invited to appear on Good Morning America (1975). Jack was already appearing on local television stations in Columbus, including a local television series called "Hanna's Ark," on the CBS Columbus affiliate, WBNS.
8
Daughter Julie is a second generation employee at the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, working in the Promotions Department as an animal educator.
9
Director Emeritus of the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium and The Wilds since 1993, where there is still an attraction called "Jack Hanna's Base Camp," which is also used as a studio for his television shows, such as his current series, Jack Hanna's Wild Countdown (2011).
$8.5 Million
$8.5 million
